Exercise and Addiction Recovery – 13 Good Reasons to Walk the Walk
Hiking can be a solitary or group activity!
UPDATED 7/21/2025
When I look back on the road to my recovery from a substance use disorder, the aphorism, “put one foot in front of the other,” has literal significance to me. I am always up for a long walk or a hike to blow out the cobwebs and get the blood flowing. I would choose a ramble on diverse terrain over anything else I can think of. Studies show that a meditative walk may be more effective in relieving symptoms of anxiety than more strenuous endeavors or mindfulness on their own. Combining exercise with mindful techniques provides a double benefit.
Exercise and Addiction Recovery
Everyone knows walking is good for you. But do you know how good? And walking provides additional benefits to those recovering from substance use disorders (SUD). Especially those attempting to rebuild a lifestyle and reverse the ill effects of long-term drug or alcohol use. The best news about taking a hike? It’s free, easy to do, and a foolproof way to get your sober self back into the swing of things!
13 Good Reasons to Walk the Walk:
1. Hikers and walkers are happy
Hiking decreases depression and feelings of hopelessness. It also allows us to connect with nature and ourselves, bringing a sense of well-being. Turn off your phone and immerse yourself in nature’s bounty!
2. Walking improves sleep quality
Disrupted sleep patterns are part of early addiction recovery. A bracing walk in the fresh air can enhance REM sleep.
3. Your heart, lungs, and blood vessels will thank you
Hiking improves cardio-respiratory fitness. And the farther you get from the madding crowd, the cleaner the oxygen.
4. Walking improves muscular fitness
Without putting too much stress on your joints, the muscles in your legs, glutes, and core will develop and strengthen as you navigate the winding, tilting path.
Muskegon, Michigan, hiking trail
5. When you amble, you experience movement for the joy of it
Getting out of doors for the joy of movement, not for the calorie burn or competition, frees and opens the eyes to the splendor all around!
6. Hiking improves creativity
Spend time out of doors, and your attention span and brain power increase – creative juices flow more freely when you are active than sitting.
7. Walking increases bone density
You get plenty of load-bearing exercise, especially if you walk with a pack.
8. Hiking improves your connections
Walking helps you improve connections with fellow walkers and with your inner self, without the distractions of daily stressors. The serene silence when you are alone recharges you to the core.
9. The challenge increases self-esteem
Navigating a challenging path and accepting responsibility for your actions enhances both emotional and physical stability.
Summertime intensive outpatient programs – 2 to 4 week “tune-ups” available!
10. A walk in nature offers beauty and appreciation of the simple things
The sounds, smells, and sights of nature’s majesty have a calming effect on the mind.
11. Hiking improves balance
The uneven terrain will improve your balance skills, allowing you to adjust to ground-level changes automatically.
12. Walking keeps you young and lowers the risk of early death
Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology showed that “those who engaged in daily moderate exercise such as a brisk walk or jog…have experienced anti-aging benefits that could add three to seven years to their lives.” Just seven active hours a week increases life expectancy!
13. Grow your brain!
Recent science has found that consistent exercise (morning walk after coffee?) can change the underlying structure of the brain and grow new brain cells in the hippocampus, which is tied to mood and memory.
Chart Your Course
Whether you decide on a Sunday stroll, an afternoon hike, or a weekend in the wild, get out and chart your course, take control of your workout, and improve your overall well-being, especially if you are in recovery from addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, or daily functioning, please don’t wait to change your life for the better– click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist today. With Sanford Behavioral Health’s 24/7 EZ Admissions, you talk to a real person (Sanford staff) and start treatment now.
